Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli. These structures of the kidney help filter wastes and fluids from the blood to form urine.

Membranoproliferative GN is a form of glomerulonephritis caused by an abnormal immune response. Deposits of antibodies build up in a part of the kidneys called the glomerular basement membrane. This membrane helps filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood.

Damage to this membrane affects the kidneys ability to create urine normally. It may allow blood and protein to leak into the urine. If enough protein leaks into the urine, fluidmay leak out of the blood vessels into body tissues, leading to swelling (edema). Nitrogen waste products may also build up in the blood (azotemia).

There are two forms of membranoproliferative GN:

Membranoproliferative GN I

Membranoproliferative GN II

Most people with the disease have type I. Membranoproliferative GN II is much less common. It also tends to get worse faster than membranoproliferative GN I.

Changes in mental status such as decreased alertness or decreased concentration

Cloudy urine

Dark urine (smoke, cola, or tea colored)

Decrease in urine volume

Foamy urine

Swelling of any part of the body

Exams and Tests

Your doctor or nurse will examine you.You may have swelling (usually in the legs), along with other signs of fluid overload, such as abnormal sounds when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

Blood pressure is often high.

Membranoproliferative GN may be seen as:

Abnormal urinalysis without symptoms

Acute nephritic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome

The following tests help confirm the diagnosis:

BUN and creatinine blood test

Blood complement C3 level

Blood complement levels

Urinalysis

Urine protein

A kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis of membranoproliferative GN I or II.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and slow the progression of the disorder.

You may need a change in diet. This may include limiting salt, fluids, or protein to help control high blood pressure, swelling, and the buildup of waste products in the blood.

Medicines that may be prescribed include:

Blood pressure medications

Dipyridamole, with or without aspirin

Diuretics

Medications to suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide

Steroids

Treatment is more effective in children than in adults. Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be needed to manage kidney failure.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The disorder often slowly gets worse and eventually results in chronic kidney failure.

Half of patients with this condition develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years. This is more likely in those who have higher levels of protein in their urine.